Baltic Recruitment are currently recruiting for a Permanent Quality Technician for a client located in Darlaston. This role is working on a Day Shift, working with Quality, NPI, Engineering & Operations Teams.

The Quality Technician protects the customer by ensuring stable processes, detecting non-conformance early, and escalating risks in real time, ensures each production shift consistently meets customer and internal quality requirements whilst providing immediate problem-solving support to the production team.

Quality Technician Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• First-Offs / Start-Up Validation
  • Complete First-Off inspections for all machining and assembly lines at start-up, tool changes, batch changes, and resets.
  • Verify parts against engineering drawings, control plans, and critical-to-quality (CTQ/CSI) characteristics.
  • Sign off First-Off documentation and release machines for production.
  • Escalate and stop production where First-Off criteria are not fully met.
• Machine Parameter Checks
  • Validate critical machine settings and parameters per standardized work, control plan, and Poka-Yoke requirements.
  • Ensure machine parameter verification is completed on time and accurately recorded.
  • Raise abnormality reports and initiate escalation if parameters deviate from standards.
• End-of-Line (EOL) Inspection & Audit
  • Conduct regular in-shift EOL audits against defined audit checklists and customer standards.
  • Complete layered process audits (LPAs), product audits, torque audits, assembly checks, and functional verifications.
  • Identify recurring defects and trend audit data for review with QE and Production Supervisors.
  • Immediately isolate suspect product when audit failures occur.
• Abnormal Process / Alternative Process Verification
  • Verify alternative or abnormal processes (e.g., manual rework, special tooling, repaired equipment).
  • Check that deviations are authorised (concessions, rework instructions).
  • Monitor reworked parts for 100% confirmation checks where required.
  • Report unauthorised process changes or deviations immediately.
• CMM Support (Set-Up / FPPO Parts)
  • Complete First Piece Process Off (FPPO)/CMM dimensional verification.
  • Perform basic CMM routines.
  • Communicate results to production supervisors and prevent machine release until compliance is confirmed.
  • Maintain traceability of FPPO documentation and approval status.
• Containment: Supplier & Customer Issues
  • Lead or support containment activities when defects are identified internally, by the customer, or from suppliers.
  • Implement robust quarantine of suspect parts, WIP, and raw materials.
  • Execute 100% inspection or controlled shipping where required.
  • Provide daily updates on containment status and defect trends.
  • Collaborate with QE on root cause, sorting, and verification activities.
• Support Problem Solving
  • Participate in shift-level problem solving, using 5-Why, Ishikawa, 8D, or DMAIC tools.
  • Supply data, samples, and measurement results to Engineering and Quality teams.
  • Help validate containment and corrective actions on the shop floor.
  • Support process monitoring to ensure recurrence prevention.
• Additional responsibilities
  • Perform in-process inspections per control plan frequency.
  • Ensure all scrap, rework, and deviations are identified and recorded correctly.
  • Verify packaging, labelling, batch traceability and segregation of NG/OK product.
  • Support internal and external audits (IATF 16949, ISO 9001, customer audits).
  • Maintain 5S standards in quality stations and across production areas.
  • Escalate risks early through established escalation routes.

Quality Technician Applicants:

• Strong understanding of machining & assembly processes.
• Competent in use of gauges, micrometres, verniers, height gauges, fixtures, and test benches.
• Basic to intermediate understanding of GD&T.
• Ability to read engineering drawings and control plans.
• Exposure to CMM process (program execution or part submission workflow).
• Knowledge of Core Tools (PPAP, APQP, MSA, SPC, FMEA).
• High attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to work independently on shift, making decisions without immediate management.
• Strong communication with operational teams.
• Calm and structured approach to defect escalation.
• Proactive mindset in identifying risks and issues.
• Previous experience in a manufacturing quality role.
• Competence in dimensional inspection and understanding quality standards.
• Ability to perform First-Off, in-process, and final inspections.
• Desired:
• NVQ Level 3 or above in Engineering / Manufacturing / Automotive (Desirable).
• Experience with CMM measurement or metrology equipment (Desirable).
• IATF 16949 awareness training (Desirable).
• Experience with machining or assembly processes (Desirable).

Working Monday to Thursday 1.30 pm - 9.00 pm and Fri 1.00 pm - 8.00 pm. Salary is £33,000 to £35,000.